Newport News, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
184,216
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$69,634/yr
4.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
82,052
0.2% year-over-year change

Newport News population

How many people live in Newport News

Newport News is home to 184,216 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Newport News locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
184,216
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
89,428
Female
51.4%
94,788
Value Percent YoY change
Male 89,428 48.6% -0.5%
Female 94,788 51.4% -0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Newport News is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.6% are children under 15, then 15.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.5% of the population, while another 21.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.6%
15 to 24
15.2%
25 to 44
29.5%
45 to 64
21.7%
Over 65
14.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 36,128 19.6% -1.0%
15 to 24 27,965 15.2% 0.1%
25 to 44 54,298 29.5% -0.3%
45 to 64 39,909 21.7% -1.9%
Over 65 25,916 14.1% 2.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Newport News, 89% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 41% of locals are Caucasian, 41.2% are African American and 3.3% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 10.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.7%
Non-citizens
3.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 163,995 89% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 14,119 7.7% -1.3%
Non-citizens 6,102 3.3% -7.7%
Racial breakdown
White
41%
Black or African American
41.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
3.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
10.9%
Other
3.3%
Value Percent
White 75,455 41%
Black or African American 75,866 41.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 500 0.3%
Asian 6,120 3.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 182 0.1%
Two or more races 20,086 10.9%
Other 6,007 3.3%

Households in Newport News

A peek inside Newport News households

Newport News has 76,112 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57% are families, while the remaining 43% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
76,112
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
32,751
Family households
43,361
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 32,751 43% 1.8%
Family households 43,361 57% -0.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Newport News

The housing landscape of Newport News

Newport News's housing consists of 82,052 units, with 50.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
82,052
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 41,199 50.2%
1 unit, attached 8,725 10.6%
2 units 1,017 1.2%
3 or 4 units 5,908 7.2%
5 to 9 units 10,350 12.6%
10 to 19 units 5,532 6.7%
20 to 49 units 2,450 3%
50 or more units 4,798 5.8%
Mobile home 1,962 2.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 111 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
323
13.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Newport News

In Newport News, the median construction year is 1979. About 4.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,980 4.8% 5.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,708 4.5% -4.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 8,863 10.8% 4.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 12,410 15.1% 4.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 13,160 16% -3.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 14,212 17.3% 2.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 11,371 13.9% -0.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 8,011 9.8% -3.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6,014 7.3% -6.3%
Built in 2020 or later 323 0.4% 13.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Newport News occupancy rates

Out of the 76,112 occupied housing units in Newport News, 48.2% are owner-occupied, while 51.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
76,112
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
39,457
Owner occupied
36,655
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 39,457 51.8% 0.3%
Owner occupied 36,655 48.2% 0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
7.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Newport News housing costs

Housing costs in Newport News come to a median of $1,374 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,339.

Median housing costs per month
$1,374/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Newport News
$1,339/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Newport News

Newport News education at a glance

About 37.1% of the population in Newport News went to high school, while 23.5% pursued college studies. Another 9% earned an associate degree and 17.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,156 2.9% 7.8%
High school diploma 52,511 37.1% -0.6%
College diploma 33,251 23.5% -4.7%
Associate degree 12,740 9% -3.5%
Bachelor's degree 24,834 17.6% 7.2%
Graduate degree 13,942 9.9% 1.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Newport News

How much people earn in Newport News

The average annual household income in Newport News was $90,039 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $69,634, reflecting a +4.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Newport News
$90,039/year
3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Newport News
$69,634/year
4.4% year-over-year change

Newport News income by age

In Newport News, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $72,069. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $81,752 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $52,898, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $53,308 in earnings. Overall, 85.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $52,898 13.2%
25 - 44 $72,069 6.1%
45 - 64 $81,752 1.6%
Over 65 $53,308 -1.0%
Above poverty level
150,019
Below poverty level
25,375
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 150,019 85.5% 0.7%
Below poverty level 25,375 14.5% -3.9%

Average renter income in Newport News

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Newport News, their median household income was $47,392 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$47,392
Rent-to-income ratio
33.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Newport News

Workforce and job types in Newport News

The job market in Newport News is powered by 84,458 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.5% run their own businesses, 67.8% are employed by private companies, and 19.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
84,458
-0.0% year-over-year change
White collar
63,465
Blue collar
20,993
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 63,465 75.1% -0.9%
Blue collar 20,993 24.9% 2.9%
Employer type
Self employees
6.5%
Private companies
67.8%
Governmental workers
19.3%
Not for profit companies
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,526 6.5% -3.5%
Private companies 57,297 67.8% -0.2%
Governmental workers 16,338 19.3% 2.8%
Not for profit companies 5,297 6.3% -2.3%
Unemployment rate
5.8%
-2.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Newport News stands at 5.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Newport News

How people get around in Newport News

In Newport News, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 82.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
-0.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 75,199 82.8% -0.8%
Taxicab 302 0.3% -23.0%
Bus or trolleybus 1,379 1.5% -20.2%
Subway or elevated 22 0% N/A
Railroad 8 0% -11.1%
Ferryboat 18 0% 0.0%
Motorcycle 311 0.3% -5.8%
Bicycle 177 0.2% -22.0%
Walk 3,233 3.6% -3.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Newport News by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
23601 26,645 11,493 $71,279 $90,020
23602 42,265 17,668 $79,475 $114,286
23603 3,504 1,582 $88,246 $97,920
23605 13,332 6,321 $53,815 $62,434
23606 29,971 12,422 $72,874 $96,208
23607 23,096 9,271 $42,334 $55,268
23608 43,641 17,918 $71,126 $86,813

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FAQs about Newport News demographics 

What is the total population of Newport News?

Newport News has a total population of 184,216 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Newport News?

The gender ratio in Newport News is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (89,428 residents)
  • 51.4% females (94,788 residents)

What is the median age in Newport News?

The median age in Newport News is 34.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Newport News?

The age distribution in Newport News is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.6% (36,128 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.2% (27,965 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.5% (54,298 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.7% (39,909 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.1% (25,916 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Newport News?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Newport News is as follows:
  • White: 41% (75,455 residents)
  • Black or African American: 41.2% (75,866 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (500 residents)
  • Asian: 3.3% (6,120 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (182 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.9% (20,086 residents)
  • Other: 3.3% (6,007 residents)

What percentage of the population in Newport News are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 89% of the population in Newport News.

How many housing units are there in Newport News?

There are 82,052 housing units in Newport News, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Newport News and what is the average household size?

Newport News has a total of 76,112 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Newport News?

Newport News has a median household income of $69,634, representing a +4.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Newport News?

The employment rate is 94.2% in Newport News, with a workforce of 84,458 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.1% (63,465 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.9% (20,993 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.5% (5,526 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.8% (57,297 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.3% (16,338 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.3% (5,297 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025